The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has just released its highly anticipated 2022 procedural research results, and the findings are quite remarkable. According to the data collected in partnership with CosmetAssure and PatientNow, there has been a significant increase in cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. In fact, a staggering 26.2 million surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic and reconstructive procedures were performed in the country last year alone.
This marks a noteworthy 19% increase in cosmetic surgery procedures since 2019, showcasing the growing popularity of these interventions. Among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures in 2022 were liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, breast lift, and eyelid surgery. Liposuction saw a remarkable 23% increase from 2019, while breast reduction procedures experienced a staggering surge of 54%.
When it comes to minimally invasive procedures, neuromodulator injections and hyaluronic acid fillers took the lead. These non-surgical treatments saw significant increases in demand compared to 2019. The post-pandemic period seems to have played a role in this surge, as more people working from home and having flexible work schedules are no longer delaying the procedures they have been contemplating.
Interestingly, the face and neck have become the focal points for many patients, with eyelid surgeries, facelift procedures, and cheek implants experiencing remarkable increases. This trend may be attributed to the rise of video conferences and the increased visibility of the facial features during virtual meetings.
Moreover, changes in weight during the pandemic have led to a rise in body-centric procedures. Liposuction and noninvasive fat reduction procedures saw notable increases compared to 2019, as individuals sought to address weight fluctuations. Breast augmentation and breast lifts remained popular, while there was a significant surge in demand for cosmetic breast reductions.
The influence of social media cannot be overlooked in shaping plastic surgery trends. Patients have become more open about sharing their experiences and expressing interest in certain procedures, leading to an increase in lip augmentation with fillers and buccal fat removal procedures. The accessibility and reach of social media platforms have contributed to the overall growth of the industry.
For nearly three decades, the ASPS Annual Procedural Statistics have been a reliable source of data on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery trends in the United States. The organization collected data from member surgeons and affiliated companies to provide a comprehensive report. This data serves as a valuable resource for doctors, patients, researchers, and the media, aiding in informed decision-making and understanding the evolving landscape of plastic surgery.
As the popularity of plastic surgery procedures continues to soar, it is crucial for plastic surgeons to prioritize patient safety and education. The ASPS data underscores the need for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that patients are well-informed about the risks and benefits of these procedures. With the public’s growing desire to look and feel better, plastic surgeons remain committed to providing quality care and meeting the evolving needs of their patients.